Buckingham Palace Unveils Decked-Out Gold Coaches For King Charles’ Coronation

As Buckingham Palace prepares for King Charles’ upcoming coronation on May 6, 2023, more news has emerged on the day’s plans, including details about the vehicles that will carry the King and Queen Consort to and from the ceremony.

According to a statement, the two royals will travel to Westminster Abbey in the newer Diamond Jubilee State Coach—created in 2020 to celebrate the late Queen Elizabeth’s II 60 years on the throne—before switching to the 18th-century Gold State Coach on the trip back.

The former’s gilded crown was carved from oak aboard the HMS Victory, with its interior laid out with samples of wood, metals, and materials taken from buildings with special connections to Britain and its past, such as Kensington Palace, Windsor Castle, and more.

On the return trip, the Majesties will hop over to the Gold State Coach, which last made an appearance during the Pageant of the Platinum Jubilee of the late Queen in June 2022. It weighs over four tonnes and has to be drawn by eight Windsor Grey horses.

Interestingly, this coach, which features intricate wood carvings adorned by gold panels and paintings, was made all the way back in 1760 for King George III and has been used at every coronation since that of William IV in 1831.

However, as per Robb Report, the late Queen Elizabeth II was reported as previously describing this particular vehicle as “horrible,” due to the fact that it doesn’t carry a modern suspension—making travel extra bumpy.

The ceremony will end with the Majesties receiving a Royal Salute from the UK and Commonwealth Armed Forces on parade, followed by three cheers from the service personnel as a tribute on the day of coronation.

[via Robb Report and The Royal Household, images via The Royal Household]